Avengers: Doomsday Shows How Much the MCU’s Power Level Has Changed
The arrival of Avengers: Doomsday introduces a new major villain, but it also highlights a growing issue — the escalating power levels within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over the years, the effort to top each previous film has forced Marvel to continually raise the stakes, making both heroes and villains increasingly powerful.
The Problem of Power Escalation
Since Avengers: Endgame, the MCU’s scale has expanded so dramatically that it now faces difficulty creating believable tension. As power levels surge, it becomes harder to make new characters feel dangerous or meaningful. To stand out, Doctor Doom must appear overwhelmingly powerful, yet the MCU has made that task challenging.
“It will be essential to show that Doctor Doom has become the most powerful character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Why Doctor Doom Faces a Tough Task
Marvel’s history with its cosmic and mystical beings has set the bar high. Recent storylines introduced the Council of Kangs, the Celestials, Mephisto, and even Galactus, expanding the universe’s upper limits of strength and influence.
- Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) was portrayed so powerful that she had to be kept off-planet during Avengers: Infinity War.
- Hulk’s immense might was diminished by turning him into a calmer, intellectual version to balance his abilities.
The challenge, then, is whether future films can maintain narrative balance when the scale of power has already reached such extremes.
Possible Paths Forward
Marvel could reintroduce tension by focusing on emotional conflicts, moral dilemmas, and personal stakes, rather than continually trying to surpass previous displays of cosmic power. However, with Avengers: Doomsday fast approaching, time may be running out to correct course.
Author’s summary: The MCU’s endless pursuit of stronger heroes and villains risks undermining suspense, as even Doctor Doom may struggle to feel truly threatening after years of escalating power.